Tamron or Sigma 17/18-50 2.8

jmaccs64

Tamron or Sigma 17/18-50 2.8
I need help in deciding which lens is better, any help?
I am going to purchase one....

Thanks

Jane B.

jmaccs64 wrote:

Tamron or Sigma 17/18-50 2.8
I need help in deciding which lens is better, any help?
I am going to purchase one....

Thanks

I'm another one that wants the answer rather than having one. This is the range I am dreaming of for a D60.

Jane

pathfinder

For a D70, you might be interested in the following threads...


http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tamron_1750_28_nikon/index.htm

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_1850_28m_nikon/index.htm

The last line in the review of the Sigma 18-50 says "The Sigma offers lots of bangs for your bucks but the comparable Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP seems to be a better alternative."

I tend to favor Tamron over Sigma for APS lenses - they are usually smaller and lighter and compare very closely optically.

ziggy53

I have the Sigma 18-50mm, EX DC (not the macro version) and, while I'm pretty satisfied with it, I would probably purchase the Tamron equivalent if I had to do it over again.

Eric&Susan

I've never used the sigma but I have the Tamron and love it.

Eric

jgoetz4

Mornin' All,
The May issue of Pop Photo called the new Sigma 18-50 2.8 Macro version "a stellar performer" and further stated that it is significantly better (optically) then the $1200 Nikon 17-55 2.8. It's available for $389 at sigmaforless.com.
Good luck on your choice and have a good day
Jim...

kml

Sigma makes good glass, but I find the Tamron to be just a bit better for sharpness and the bokeh from the Tamrons is beautiful!

jmaccs64

sigmaforless.com
Has anyone ever purchased from sigma for less? Are they reputable?

Thanks

jgoetz4

kml wrote:

Sigma makes good glass, but I find the Tamron to be just a bit better for sharpness and the bokeh from the Tamrons is beautiful!

Mornin' All,
Tamron does make good glass as well, (I use to have the Tammy 24-135) however, the review of the new Sigma seems to be a solid one at that. I read also on the net that the Sigma macro is a strong performer, based on early tests and opinions. It could also come down to whether you prefer Dodge, Ford or GM or, Sony, Mitsubishi or Toshiba, as they all make good products.The same principle applies.
Have a good day
Jim...

Scott_Quier

jmaccs64 wrote:

Has anyone ever purchased from sigma for less? Are they reputable?

Thanks

I just went to www.sigma4less.com and www.sigmaforless.com

They appear to be the same site. In fact, www.resellerratings.com indicates that they are, indeed, the same reseller.

I believe I've read that Ziggy shops at and has recommended the first site many times.

If you go to this link, you can get an idea of their customer satisfaction level then compare that with B&H (here).

I'm thinking that if Sigma4Less has the price you like, you will probably not go wrong there.

YMMV

urbanaries

I have owned the Tamron in question and the Sigma 24-70 2.8 Macro and after very brief usage, went to the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS. Bottom line....I lost several hundred dollars trying to save several hundred dollars....the Canon is unmistakably sharper than the Tamron, focuses faster, and of course the IS is amazing. I've taken several tack sharp shots at 1/10, 50mm.

just my 0.02

Scott_Quier

urbanaries wrote:

I have owned the Tamron in question and the Sigma 24-70 2.8 Macro and after very brief usage, went to the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS. Bottom line....I lost several hundred dollars trying to save several hundred dollars....the Canon is unmistakably sharper than the Tamron, focuses faster, and of course the IS is amazing. I've taken several tack sharp shots at 1/10, 50mm.

just my 0.02

I've not owned either the Siggy or the Tammy, but I also have the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS and am very happy to confirm Lynne's statement about the sharpness of the lens. I also learned the same lesson Lynne did. Trying to save some $$, I ended up loosing $$ by going the "cheap" route. Somewhere I ran across something posted by Andy; to paraphrase, "Buy right, buy once." In the long run, you will be much happier saving your pennies for a little longer and buying the "good stuff."